Q&A with ex-Bull, new Buc Ryan Schmidt

Ryan Schmidt is facing long odds. The former USF offensive lineman, cut by the Titans last week, has been signed by the Bucs and is trying to make up for lost time as he seeks to make the team's roster as an undrafted rookie. He's working at left guard and wearing No. 64 for the Bucs -- former teammates Jarriett Buie and Marc Dile are close by at No. 61 and 62, respectively. We caught up with him after Monday's practice for a few questions ...

GA: How's it been trying to make a quick impression in your first few days?

RS: It's been real good here. It's been a great opportunity for me that they brought me in. I'm happy to be here, happy to be back (in Tampa.)

GA: Had you talked with them after the draft when you initially signed with the Titans?

RS: They were one of the teams that offered me as a free agent.

GA: What's the key in trying to turn heads in a short amount of time here?

RS: Just do everything they ask of me and have a good attitude about it.

GA: How do you go about quickly learning another set of terminology for another offense?

RS: Studying the playbook a couple hours a night. It's pretty much the same stuff, just a little different names for it.

GA: You and Raheem Morris overlapped a bit at Kansas State before you both came to Tampa. What do you remember about him?

RS: I did a spring with him, and then I left out of there, and he did one year and he left. I didn't get to spend too much time with him, but he's the same way, all fired up and stuff.

GA: Glad to be reconnected with Buie and Dile?

RS: It's definitely nice to have guys you've played with that you know on the team. It makes it easier, the transition.

GA: Did your time in Tennessee help prepare you for playing at the NFL level?

RS: It was nice to get adjusted to the pro speed and stuff up there. Everything happens so fast. It's ridiculous.

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